The bed and breakfast (B & B) type of lodging can be traced back centuries across various cultures, where inns and small guest houses served as resting places for merchants, pilgrims, and travelers, offering them a bed for the night and breakfast the next morning. The modern bed and breakfast as we know it began to emerge in the 20th century, particularly in the United Kingdom and then spread to the United States and other parts of the world. Nowadays, even with the plethora of lodging choices, you might want to try the bed and breakfast experience. Let’s find out why.
The Bed and Breakfast Experience
Bed and breakfasts are often set in a family home, where guests are welcomed for short stays. This differs from the cookie-cutter, more commercial accommodations of hotels, where rooms are tasteful but not unique, and interactions with staff are polite but less personal.
If you’re staying in Durango, Colorado, the Gable House Bed & Breakfast Inn offers one of the best bed and breakfast experiences you can have. Built in 1892 and listed on the National and State Historic Registers, this Queen Anne Victorian home is in the heart of Durango, making it the perfect spot to stay while you explore this exciting destination.
Homey Atmosphere in a Bed and Breakfast
At a bed and breakfast, your room will feel like home, and the furnishings will reflect the personality of the owner. Instead of impersonal prints on the wall, your space might feature original photographs and art. You can expect a comfy chair where you can sit and read or update your travel journal. At some B & Bs, you’ll have access to the owner’s living area, making it feel like you’re a guest in someone’s home rather than having a private space without any charm. And, in some cases, like the Gable House Bed & Breakfast Inn, you’ll be staying in a charming historic building filled with history and character.
Homemade Breakfast
Bed and breakfast menus vary, but at the very least, you can expect something homemade along with fresh coffee. Some have big buffet-style spreads, while others offer coffee, tea, and muffins, along with some fruit and fruit juice. The Gable House Bed & Breakfast Inn prides itself on a full, hot, homemade, gourmet breakfast served on beautiful china, making it the perfect start to your day of exploring Durango and the surrounding areas. They also do their best to accommodate special dietary restrictions by providing gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options.
At the Gable House, history meets comfort. Our rooms are intimate and elegantly appointed with antique period furnishings, and each has a private entrance.
805 E 5th Ave,
Durango, CO 81301
(970) 247-4982
Story sponsored by The Gable House
Support Local Businesses and Save Money on Amenities
Have you ever stayed at a large hotel and found that you have to pay for parking and the WiFi is sketchy at best? At most B & Bs the parking is free, and the WiFi is maintained by the homeowner, likely making it faster and more reliable than anything a hotel can offer.
The Gable House Bed & Breakfast Inn offers free off-street parking and high-speed internet, but they go a step further with a common room for meetings and other private areas. You can even rent the entire house, making it a great option for family and friends to stay together, for a special event, or for a company retreat. They use local products in their breakfast preparation and offer samples of local products to guests. They have earned a Green Business Gold Certification from 4CORE/City of Durango. They also offer an electric charging station, available to guests.In addition to supporting local businesses the Gable House Bed & Breakfast Inn partners with local nonprofits to support and promote local events, culture and art.
Not only does a stay at a B & B make sense for you and your fellow travelers, staying at a locally owned establishment is a nice way to support local businesses.
Expert Guide to Local Attractions
B & B proprietors can describe local attractions, restaurants, and nightlife. They can provide insights that you might not have thought about. If you’re heading out to a restaurant or a performance, they can tell you if the dress should be fancy or casual. If you have dietary restrictions, they can point you in the right direction for your evening meal. This type of information takes the guesswork and stress out of your trip, making your stay more pleasant.
If you’re planning to bring gifts home, the proprietor can point you to shops that have just what you’re looking for. And if you want a piece of regional art to commemorate your trip, they can point you to the perfect gallery.
Meet New People
One aspect of the B & B experience that differs from other types of lodging is that you have the opportunity to meet and interact with other guests staying at the B & B. Typically, guests have breakfast together, giving you a chance to find out what other visitors to the area have in mind for their day. They might be going somewhere you hadn’t thought of, or have been where you’re planning to go and can provide some insights about it. As with family gatherings, it’s best to avoid controversial topics and stick to small talk.
The Unique Gable House Bed & Breakfast Inn Experience
If this article has you thinking that you might enjoy a stay at a B & B, you’ll find that Gable House will exceed your expectations. Each room has a private entrance, a unique offering as most B & Bs are arranged so that you enter into a common area. But if you do head down to explore the rest of the house, you’ll find the Victorian parlor and music room is a wonderful place to relax and visit with the hostess and other guests.
If you think your visit to Durango might include a stay at Gable House Bed & Breakfast Inn, visit their accommodations page and book your stay.
